Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson: 'Be Ye Converted'

Young Women General President Bonnie L. Oscarson speaks morning session of the 183rd Semiannual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Salt Lake City.

Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, Young Women general president, began her remarks with a conversion story of her great-great grandmother, Agnes Hoggan, who joined the Church in Scotland in 1861 and moved to America after the persecution her family faced. Her daughter Isabelle began working for a wealthy, non-LDS family to help provide for her family. Eventually, the wealthy family wanted to legally adopt Isabelle, while still giving wages to Agnes. Although Isabelle would have a better life with material goods, education and wealth, Agnes could not bear the thought of Isabelle losing the gospel in her life.

"Isabelle Hoggan is my great-grandmother and I am most grateful for the testimony and conviction that burned so brightly in her mother's heart, which did not allow her to trade her daughter's membership in the Church for worldly promises," she said.

Sister Oscarson explained, "The decisions you make in your daily life will determine what happens to you later. If you do not yet have a firmly-rooted testimony and conviction that The Church of Jesus of Latter-day Saints is the kingdom of God on the earth, now is the time to do what it takes to gain that conviction."

Sister Oscarson taught, "True conversion is more than merely having a knowledge of gospel principles and implies even more than just having a testimony of those principles. Being truly converted means we are acting upon what we believe and allowing it to create 'a mighty change in us, or in our hearts,' " (True to the Faith).

Sister Oscarson cautioned "the Lord expects us to exercise faith" and that members need to follow the commandments in order to gain a testimony.

She explained how having a testimony of the gospel helped her keep the commandments throughout her youth, being a good example to her peers.

"Conversion comes as we live pure and virtuous lives and enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost," she said. "Conversion comes as we understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and acknowledge Him as our Savior and Redeemer, and allow the Atonement to take effect in our lives."

Once we are converted, Sister Oscarson said that members are more willing to share the gospel with others. "As you are converted, you will have a desire to share with others what you have learned and your confidence and ability to testify to others with conviction and power will increase."

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